What is Connect to Work?
Connect to Work is a free and voluntary employment support programme. It helps people who are facing health or wellbeing challenges, or other barriers, to:
- Find a job that suits them, or
- Stay in their current job if they are already employed
The programme focuses on finding the right job first, then giving you the support you need to settle in and do well at work. This approach is sometimes called ‘place, train and maintain’.
How long will I get support?
The length of support depends on your situation and your needs.
- If you are looking for work, you will usually receive up to 12 months of support to find a job, followed by in‑work support once you start.
- If you are already in work, you can get up to four months of support to help you stay in your role.
Support can start before you begin work and continue after you start.
Some people only need short‑term help, while others may need longer or ongoing support.
What will my support journey look like?
Everyone’s journey is different, but most people go through the stages below.
Engagement:
You’ll have an initial conversation to:
- Talk about your goals, strengths and interests
- Discuss your health, wellbeing or personal circumstances (only what you’re comfortable sharing)
- Check that Connect to Work is right for you
Vocational profiling:
Your employment specialist will help you:
- Work out what kind of job would suit you
- Identify any support or adjustments you might need
- Explore your skills, experience and future goals
Job matching and employer support:
This may include:
- Searching for jobs that match your preferences
- Working with employers who understand the programme
- Support with CVs, applications and interviews
In‑work support:
Once you start work, support continues to help you:
- Settle into your role
- Access training or workplace adjustments if needed
- Check in regularly to make sure things are going well
Follow‑on support:
You can also get help to:
- Build confidence and independence at work
- Tackle any challenges that come up
- Look at progression or future job opportunities
What does my Employment Specialist do?
Your Employment Specialist is your main point of contact. They will:
- Work with you one to one
- Listen to what you want from work
- Help you find the right job for you – not just any job
- Support both you and your employer once you start work
- Stay involved to help you succeed in the long term
What if I’m already employed?
If you’re already in work, your Employment Specialist can help you:
- Understand what’s working and what isn’t in your current role
- Identify and support workplace or reasonable adjustments
- Settle into your role and build confidence
- Work with your employer (with your permission)
- Look at changes, progression, or moving into a different role if staying in your current job isn’t possible
Will this affect my benefits?
Taking part in Connect to Work does not automatically affect your benefits.
- The programme works alongside existing benefits
- You can get support to understand any changes if you start work
- You will not be pushed into work that isn’t right for you
- You can explore benefit entitlement whether you are in work or not
Can I join if I’m getting other employment support?
Connect to Work is designed to work alongside other local services. However, you usually cannot take part in two government‑funded employment programmes at the same time.
You may still be able to join if:
- The other support is not DWP‑funded
- It focuses on health, wellbeing, skills, housing or confidence rather than job outcomes
- The support does not duplicate the same type of employment help
Your Employment Specialist will talk this through with you and make sure any support works well together.
Start your Connect to Work journey:
The Expression of Interest form for our Connect to Work programme is currently open. To apply for our support, please complete the form.